Please
note, that the images, logos, and respected artworks, are property
of the original copyright owners. TK560 has no affiliation with any
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movie and television replica props, original GIjOE action figures,
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A
Stormtrooper Fan Film?Read along and learn how we make a 'no budget' Star
Wars fan film featuring our favorite, faceless troopers and a few surprises!

Latest
Updates, and News[Update 03-OCT-2008]

Hard to believe that it's been a year of development and nothing much to show for it. Here is a list of test footage we now have available as Apple Quicktime MOV files:

CGI artist David
Alderson has been working on the Star Destroyer, here is a sneak
peek: [Quicktime
movie 10mb]. In addition he is working on another scene, a beauty
pass, along with some blue screen CGI X-wing footage.

Recent News[Update 01-OCT-2007]

A new CGI artist
has contacted me regarding the needed CGI work. David Alderson from
the UK sent me the following images. Click on each image for a larger
view! Rendered in Cinema 4D using the Star Destroyer model from
this link of CGI models.

New planet!
Undeside of the ship is now damaged.

The right-hand
engine is out...

...and
the center one is flickering.

Latest Updates,
and News[Update 21-SEPT-2007]

A minor update.
We shot some test footage on Lake Nac. back in August, with dubious
results. You can get an idea of what was going on here:

8.3MB Quicktime
MOV format. Click on the image to watch.

And here is
a shot of some blue screen test done as a proof of concept, kind
of like what was done with the matte painting test shot. Again,
Herb is my victim, err,
I mean subject This was shot against a crummy blue sheet, using
a good lighting source, and the Canon XL2 camera, with a wide angle
lens.

1.2MB Quicktime MOV format. Click on the image to watch.

Next will be
a scale model, live action and a digital matte attempt. If all goes
well with that, we can say we have the needed technology for the
fan film. This is taking much longer than expected.

Latest Updates,
and News[Update 18-June-2007]

A minor update.
We are planning to shoot the water scenes, and test some more camera
control in the coming weeks. An email will be sent to the film crew
detailing when and where. As it stands now, we need 4 troopers for
the water scene. The plan is to visit a local lake's swimming area,
set up early enough in the evening for a night time shoot with gel
lighting, and the camera on the track-n-dolly rig, low to the ground.
The biggest issue with these shots is to ask the actors to wear
the armor, then hold their breath, go under water, and then surface.

Also, the Imperial
Shuttle model has arrived. I'll beging customizing and painting
it. As soon as that is done some test shots for forced perspective
and minature blue screen work will begin.

Progress is
beign made on the Rebel Sniper, and that costume, both backpack
and helmet molds are in the works.

Another fan
film, this time with Herbert Midgley, is also under preproduction,
called '2012'. A camera jib boom, and more track will be needed
for the prolonged chase and fight scenes, as well as an improved
light, and audio system. Stay tuned for more details.

Updates, and
News[Update 19-March-2007]

Here is the
test of the track and skate-dolly rig: LINK
It's pretty basic, just testing some camera movments.

Click on the image above for a peek at the test footage.

Recent Updates,
and News[Update 19-March-2007]

After months
of procrastination, the track and dolly rig is now finished. Here
are a few shots of the rig:

Dolly still
needing to be painted a ultra-flat black, and the wheel mounting
posts need to be trimmed down.

Here is
a shot of the 16 roller skate wheels mounted on a 2 inch angle
iron. Using 5/16th inch bolts.

The track
is made from PVC pipe and 1x4 boards The PVC pipe is 1-1/4 inch
by 10 feet long. In the ends of the track pipe, I mounted some
wooden dowels, and the track can interlock together, just like
a big model railroad track.

There is
a push handle made of 3/4 inch black water pipe.

Things left
to do:

add some
more track. I have 20 feet so far, and a 10 foot section costs
$12 and takes about 30 mins. to make. Some footage, and a vignette
has been shot, with just a few pick-up shots to film and edit
in. I will be posting some short clips from this very soon so
stay tuned.

A better
option for tripod mounting needs to be worked out, as was the
only issue we had with the track.

Also, I need
to try and make a curved track section.

Latest
Updates, and News[Update 7-March-2007]

WOW, it's been
a long time since our last update. Sorry, about taking so long.
I've been pretty busy since the last one, and I can't believe that
was in October!

I have some work yet to do but over the Spring Break [March 12-16]
I plan to finish the improved chest mold. This will give us a better
form fitting and accurate chest. I'd like, to have a 'get-together'
and upgrade the filming armor with the new one. I'll send out a
follow-up email [to the cast and crew] and discuss a date for the
meeting once I get some made. These new chest will also be interchanged
with stunt versions that will employ a 'squib' technology for a
realistic blaster shot.

Also, if all goes well over the break, the track and dolly rig will
finally be ready for use. I have most of the materials already,
and I just need half a day to build the thing. As soon as that gets
built I'll be wanting to test it out.

And, if we can coordinate with Herb, I want to get a shot of 'the
bunker', a location I found in Jacksonville. I just hope the site
is still available! The goal is during next week's break: get 3
troopers together, head to Jacksonville for a 20 minute shoot. I
just need 2 door guards, and 3rd 'walking' trooper for the shot.
If you are available durning March 12-16 please email me your schedule.
Honestly, it will take longer to drive over there and get suited
up, than to film the shot. Let me know if you are interested, the
more the merrier. Ideally, I'd have the new chest molds done, we
could upgrade the chests that morning, then head out to film.

Also, I now have spare hands, hip boxes, and knee armor, the parts
that get beaten up the most. O2 Canisters need to be made, but I'm
still having issues with the endcap molds. I seem to recall many
of the early suits we did we skipped making them, and I'd like to
fix that. On a side note, If you are not using your suit, or feel
guilty that it sits in the closet most of the time, let me know.
We can always use extra suits, and I don't think it's too hard to
find a warm body to fill it, if you can't make it to a shoot.

The Lewis gun project is still in the works, and until I can get
my molds ready, thats going to have to wait. Maybe over the break,
I can get some final work done to the masters. It's about 90% done
now, but that last 10% is a killer.

We are all busy with other projects, and interest in this little
endeavor comes and goes. I'm hopeful that this Spring we can get
some of the key shots done, and that will keep this project alive.

As the weather gets warmer, and the foliage begins to change, we
will want to make the most of the mild weather, before the heat
of the Summer sets in. The water shots need to be done, as well
as a location shot near Lone Star. And if we can get these sequences
done, then we can start working on the other more complex shots.

Recent Updates,
and News[Update 26-February-2007]

Filming on the
'New Legend/I am Legend' fan film has started. As soon as I get
some cllips or still of the footage we shot, I'll get some posted.
Clint H. is working hard to get this ready for filming in the coming
weeks, and even has a house located for the 'attack' scenes, and
interior shots.

The fan film,
'The Last Garrison' is still in development, with some behind the
scenes work being done. We now have a minature of the Imperial Shuttle,
and it is going through a weathering process, with some details
being added to make it more visually interesting. Also, a new location
for the bunker entrance has been found, with a pick-up shot to be
filmed in the coming weeks.

I still have
a couple of resin parts and RFT kits, but my supply is almost gone.
I'm hanging on to a few spares for the fan film. Please email me
if you have any questions. In related new, starting in March, Hasbro
is suppose to be offering a DH-17 'Nerf' blaster, so a full review,
and converison is planned. The only part of the RFT costume now
giving us fits, are the boots. The East German boots from Sportsmans
Guide are gone, but other surplus sources still have them.

New information
regarding the CMP's M1 Carbine offering can be read here.
And new information regarding the latest GIjOE action figures can
be found here
and here.

Recent Updates,
and News[Update 8-November-2006]

The trooper
fan film is still in production, and storyboards, and preproduction
are in the works. I'm pretty busy with prop and costume production,

If anyone is
interested in a second fan film production, not related to Star
Wars, let it be known that the same film crew that is working on
The Last Garrison in association with HannaFilm
is also tooling up to make an independent version of 'I
am Legend' by Richard Matheson. Based on the book, once
again, the production will attempt to 'fix' some of the 'so-called'
problems with the book, namely the less than acceptable rushed feeling
last chapter. This is to be a test plastform for lighting, and camera
equipment, and an opportunity for some folks to make a 'zomibe-vampire'
flick with a great story. Principal photography is scheduled for
December through the Spring, with a release date of April. If you
have not read the book, 'I am Legend' get a copy
from Amazon.com
or at least watch the 'Last
Man on Earth' starring Vincent Price. BTW that film is now public
domain, and can be downloaded for free from Here.
But look for the restored version in widescreen. usually available
at the $1 stores for one dollar! I'm creating a new page devoted
to this production. Here is the link.

Latest Updates,
and News[Update 2 November, 2006]

Troopers invade
East Texas! Thats right, Oct. 28 was the 14th annual downtown Nacogdoches
Scare on the Square, and our fan film cast and crew decided to attend
this year as s-troopers. Here's a pic:

We had a production
meeting on August 12. It was pretty casual, Herbert, Lance, Clint
F. and I met to discuss several production issues, including:

Consturction
of the track and dolly camera support gear

Storyboard
assignments

Reference
picture photo shoot

Script revisions

We even made
some good headway on the track and dolly rig. We purchased some
building materials, [Thanks Lance and Herb!] and I even got a chance
to work on the rollers. By the time of our next meeting we should
have an 8 foot length of track ready, the dolly built and some test
footage shot using the new rig. I'm pretty excited to try this out.
Herb is working on an independent film project, and we plan to use
it for some track and dolly test shots very soon.

The script was
reviewed with Clint F. and some ideas and sketches have been submitted,
and are looking great. I'll wait for Clint to post his well done
studies of the RFT trooper and others he is working on. Some discussion
was made regarding the direction of the two sequences not yet finished,
and overall some good progress was made on the script.

The smoke tint
visors were used on some test shots, here is one sneek peek:

I like the more
sinister look these new visors give the RFT's.

Considering
this was a 'non-filming' production meeting, we had a good time,
and even managed to pull a few parts, eat lots of burgers and fries,
and had a great time. Maybe next time we can get more of the crew
together.

BTW, some RFT
pants were donated by Mark Weber, so a special 'Thank you' goes
out to him for his help on the project.

Maybe in September,
we can start filming some actual scenes. The Lewis Gun is almost
ready to make molds, the Clone trooper helmet project is starting
to take shape, and the molds for the sandtrooper backpack boxes,
are slowly coming together. Thanks Tony for helping me out with
these. Also, the Endor commando donut has passed the first prototype
stage, and is ready for mold revisions.

Well, thats
about all for now, school has started for me, and I'll be pretty
busy with two jobs this Fall, I'll try to keep busy working on the
project.

UPDATE: 07-20-06[Quick Update]

It's been a
long time since I have updated the fan film with new info, so here
it is:

This time of year, we are on hiatus, as trying to film in the suits
is too hot. Preproduction continues on the project, with me working
mostly on props, and camera control gear.

The Lewis Gun is 90% done and, if all goes well this weekend, I
can start to put parts into silicone. Only a few details are left
to add, such as barrel bands, and some minor detail bits, a top
coat of primer, and some finish sanding.

As soon as the Lewis Gun prop is done, the next prop to finish work
on is the DH-17 master. This will be used for making molds from,
so extra care is going into this one to make it perfect for replication.

The see-through visors are still a work in progress, but if all
goes well this weekend, I hope to have the prototype ready, dyed
and all. In addition, I'm working on the X-wing visor molds, and
again, if all goes well this weekend, the prototype should be ready
for tinting.
A test pull on the Endor commando donut was made, and I think a
few more hours working the molds over, and I should have a better
version ready to go. This will be a very small run made for the
fan film, and for a Rebel costuming club that I have done work with
before.
In other prop news, I finished work on my Luke ESB lightsaber hilt.
I got a Graflex flash gun some time back, and finally got around
to converting it. A pretty easy job, and I'm pretty happy with it.
Not 100% accurate, but sort of my interpretation of what I saw on
screen. My next weapon prop will be a C-96 Broomhandle mauser converted
to an ESB Han Solo blaster. Silicone molds will be made, and resin
'stunt' versions will be made of these as well.

I really need to get all thes projects done so I can finish work
on the Halo armor, and get that project put to bed. Then it's the
Viper helmets, and the Aliens Colonial Marine helmet project! Then
there is the Sandtrooper back pack project, the EPII Clone Helmet,
ah the list goes on and on.

Larry is working on some more storyboards so I hope to get started
on my portion soon as well. We really need to get this nailed down
before we try to start shooting. I guess I need to make this a priority.
Anyone who wants to help on the storyboard, just ask!
Heath has been working on the X-wing costume, and has been busy
making ammo pouches, and other 'cloth' goods. He has also checked
into our group renting a booth at the 'Scare on the Square'. He
has some ideas for donations for a good charity, and we need to
talk about this as a group the next time we meet. Last year, a photo
op would have been a great way to make some charity funds. I'm letting
Heath take the lead on this project.

Herb is taking a screenwriting class taught by none other than Joe
Lansdale. Herb says he is getting all sorts of great ideas that
will help out fan film. Thanks Herb, keep us updated.

Clint Hanna has been working most of the summer out of town, but
I did get a phone call from him this past week, and he too is having
film production woes on his epic as well.

Clint Fultner has been working on his X-wing helmet, inspired by
the helmet designs from Vietnam, his helmet is making great progress.
Construciton of his trooper armor is on hold until the Fall.

Lance has been trying to sell his boat, so any water shots we plan
will have to be 'plan B' for now. He is also involved with a local
band, so I hope we can get some time scheduled together to work
on some projects soon.

Recent Updates,
and News[Update 15-May-2006]

I've been working
on the Lewis Gun T-21 project for a few weeks. The idea is to use
the wooden version as a mold master, make silicone molds from this
pattern and then cast resin parts from the silicone molds. Still
in the works, but here is a peek at the project so far:

The
receiver and stock individual parts, and the assembly. Click
on the image for a larger view.

The
barrel assembly with taper ring still in the works. Click
on the image for a larger view.

UPDATE: 04-28-06[Quick Update]

Here is a quick
update of things related to the fan film project.

I've been working
for the past few weeks to get my vacuum forming table repaired.
It is back in action, and is working well. I have a few projects
I need to do, including a set of helmets for the indie film: Secrets
of the Rebellion. This week if all goes well, I should
be able to finish my MDF masters fo the T-21 Lewis Gun replica blaster,
and start working on the silicone molds. A very limited run of these
guns are planned. Besides the E-11, this is the principal weapon
used in the fan film. These will be a multi part resin kit with
some PVC pipe added as the barrel. After the T-21 Lewis Gun replica
blaster, the next project is to finished the X-wing pilot helmet
molds, and start on the Endor Commando helmet. Also, a solid resin
'stunt' version of the E-11 and the HD-17 are being planned. Here
is a sneak peek at the T-21 Lewis Gun mold master:

T-21 Lewis
gun forward receiver.

Still some
work to do!

The MP44 Hoth
blaster is also making some headway, but that project has been put
on the back burner until the Lewis Gun master is complete. I need
to get these other projects out of the way first. But, as it stands
now, the resin master cast is made. Details need to be added, and
then the stock, foregrip and scope need to be added. Then, a silicone
mold made.

The dianoga
monster is still in the works, and it looks like we will have to
make about 3 different versions that we can use for the scenes.
So much for making one that does it all. I am currently needing
studio space to store all these props and to build sets. So far,
no luck.

UPDATE: 03-20-06[Quick Update]

Here is a quick
update of things related to the fan film project.
I picked up an extra pair of boots for the RFTs, and a couple of
extra pairs of pants, and shirts, so we should be able to field
at least 4 or 5 RFTs between Herb and I. Possibly a few more. I'm
short a helmet or two, and we need some more blasters but that costume
is making good progress. We should be able to shoot some 'enemy'
shots very soon.
Over the break, I picked up some new material that I want to test
with as a possible rubber stunt gun material. More details to follow
but this stuff shows promise, and if it works out, we can simply
make a mold of the whole gun, pour this stuff in, and when it cures,
have a rubber version of the gun, ready to take a beating.

I have started pulling together parts to make the Endor Commando,
our Sniper for the film. This costume will be pretty east to make,
with the helmet and blaster being the exception. I also picked up
2 of the hooded overcoats for these costumes. They will need to
be dyed, and then spray-painted camouflage. The rest of the costume
is a tan long sleeved t-shirt, and some tan pants painted the same
camouflage as the hooded overcoat. Boots are desert issue combat
boots with gaitors added.

The Sniper helmet is a work in progress, and I have found some diagrams
for making the donut. The rest of the helmet is a modified WWII
flight helmet, called a AN-H-15, and can still be found at surplus
stores.

The X-wing helmet is still in the works. We only need a couple of
these. I still need to finish the visor, [I do have the clear material
for the visor, and the mold for the inner dome. I think this is
making some good progress. The rest of the costume is mostly sewing,
something I don't know how to do.

The script is getting a final treatment, and I plan to finish the
'vault' sequence. It will be by far the hardest parts to film.

I've not started working on the storyboards yet, but I think Larry
is about to finish his work on them for now.
I'm almost done with my study of the Lewis Gun, and I should have
a MDF mock-up done in a few weeks.

The Vac-form machine is down for repairs and upgrades so nothing
will be made until I can get time to work on it.

Filming should be able to resume in a few weeks. Here in East Texas,
the leaves are starting to appear, and the foliage will soon look
good for our filming needs. We need to schedule a production meeting
sometime before our next filming day, I don't know when, yet. I'm
hoping we can start filming some of the sequences in April. None
of us want to wait until June or July to start filming again. LOL.

UPDATE: 02-26-06[Quick Update]

We had a great,
mini-meeting on Sunday. Herb, Heath and the new guy Clint came over,
and we did some test fittings with Heath's new and improved pauldrons,
and ammo pouches. Check ot the photo
gallery here!

Herb needs
to get that armor dirty! Does his helmet make Herb look taller?

Reference
shot for the X-wing shoot down sequence.

Reference
shot for the X-wing shoot down sequence.

Reference
shot for the X-wing shoot down sequence.

Also, some design
work has been done on the tentacle project, and I think I have an
idea for a functional internal armature that will give us some movement.
For close up shots, an arm sock puppet will be used, for grabbing
and other tight shots. A third tentacle will be constructed of foam
and heavy wire, to be used as 'bendy" wrap for the actors.
The big one, 10-15 footer will be controled from a lever off screen.

Here
you can see the idea for the full scale tentacle armature.
Sections of PVC pipe can be used to make the sleleton of the
tentacle, and each segment is laced with a heavy rope or cable.
Mounted to a platform, and a control lever, the tentacle would
have 2 positions. One is rigid, the other is relaxed. As tension
is applied, the tentacle gets more and more rigid.

You might
have seen children's toys that do something similar.

A half
scale mock-up is next, and could be used for 'forced perspective
shots, if we decide on a second background tentace.

In the
illustration, the gaps between the PVC pipe segments is exaggerated.

The next
step is sculpting some sort of latex skin, and mold that will
wrap not only the full scale tentacle, but the arm sock, and
the foam & wire bendy.

UPDATE: 02-24-06[Quick Update]

A
good coat of acetone or 'deglosser', and several coats of white
shoe dye, followed by a coat or two of white polish, and we
should have a cheap, passable version of the trooper boots.

Also, I have
located a source for cheap US Navy workshirts. I'm still working
to get a final price, but I think I can get these for $5 a shirt.
I should know more in a few days.

The X-wing helmet
project is going well, and I now have a prototype; here is a sneak
peek:

Note the
detail. One problem I have been having with other vacuum formed
kits, is the soft detail, in particular, the mohawk, and the
ram-horns. A little more sanding, and this one is good to go!

Here
is a shot of the test pull. Still a lot of work to do, but it's
getting there. More pics to follow. I still need to come up
with a paint scheme, internals, and some sort of working visor.
Note the battle damage to the temple.

UPDATE: 02-15-06[Recent news on the project]

Here is a quick
update on what I've been working on lately. I've started working
on the X-wing helmet sculpts, and they are progressing well. Heath
and I pulled a prototype, and I got one glued together. I think
it looks pretty good. Still, the mold needs some more sanding, and
a few details need to be added, but it is getting there. Pics to
come soon.

Also, I've started
working on the Endor Commando costume. We will
be using one or two of these as our Rebel sniper rig. There are
a lot of different options on this Endor Command/ Last Garrison
Rebel Sniper, so, some mods will be made to accomodate this. Details
will follow, but if anyone can help me on this project, I would
appreciate it! The costume will include the following parts:

Endor
Helmet - complete with the 'donut' and the skull cap!Cammo Jacket/Vest/Shirt
- this is a hard one to nail down. Some screen caps will help!Cammo Pants - I'm thinking of using the same
$18 BDU pants in light tan, and paint them cammoBoots/Gaitors - I have a pair of wader boots
that are almost perfect. The gaitors will have to be custome made.Backpack - frame and boxes will have to be custom
made.Blaster - several options are on the table. The
traditional Endor blaster will work, and is pretty easy to scratch
build. [airsoft AR15/M16 used as a base] Another option is to
make a Hoth trooper blaster [I like this version better] and a
final option would be to introduce a new blaster to the mix, a
WWII German FG42 paratrooper rifle as a Star Wars universe sniper
gun. [one of my favorites]Small Accessories like wrist communicators, grenades,
belts, binoculars, and such.

In other news,
I've picked up some$18
boots that will work great for the Stormtrooper boots.
I just need to dye them white. As muddy as our troopers will be,
these are going to be perfect! The Last Garrison Fan Film troopers,
if you get a pair while they are on sale, I can dye them white,
and put a clear protective sheen coat on them for you.

I've also gotten
an extra black
BDU for $10, and an extra couple of Navy
work shirts for $6. Between Herbert and myself, we
should now have enough parts to make 4 Rebel Fleet Troopers. We
need as many Rebels as we can get! I'd like to see a dozen or so
on screen if we can pull that many together. I just need to make
a few more Rebel blasters! Also, there are some East
German boots still available for $18. If you plan to
be in the film, you need these boots! Great for both the RFT's and
the X-wing Pilots, as well as TIE fighter, and Imperial Officer's
boots. The cost for a RFT right now looks like:

Total:
$58 plus some odd shipping, but if I can get a group order
together, we can save on this expense. Heck I'll pay the shipping!

The pants are
actually really nice, cargo pocket pants, great for casual wear,
and the boots are really comfy! Even the black vest is not that
bad for street clothes. [may or may not be your style though]

The storyboards
are looking great, so let's all say "thanks!" to Larry
for all his hard work. Keep up the great work! I plan to jump in
and do some art myself when Larry cries 'uncle'. 140 some odd storyboards,
yikes!

Lance and I
have been working on a few projects. Lance is experimenting with
the pyrotechnics needed for small fireball explosions, and I have
been working on a cheap way to make some posable mannequins to stand
in for dead bodies. More details will follow, but let's just say
it as a lot to do with 10W-G electrical wire, PVC pipe, and wood!

Heath is making
good progress on the trooper backpacks, ammo pouches, and pauldrons.
He has also submitted his application to the 501st.

Thats all for
now.

UPDATE: 02-06-06Recent news

A lot has been
going on since the last update. I've managed to make a few more
blasters, started work on the X-wing helmet molds, finished 90%
of the script, and they storyboards
are cranking along quite nicely. If you have a chance check them
out. Here are some pics of the latest blasters:

Also, in production
is, some more Fleet Trooper costumes.
If you have a chance, get some of the boots, and vests, and shirts
ASAP. You never know when these will be gone again. Right now they
are cheap! Check the Fleet Trooper page for details.

I'm working
to bring the DH-17's up to 5 stunt versions and should have one
for everyone by the time we are ready for the Rebel shots.

Heath is working
on the MP40 magazine pouches, and has a couple of them almost ready
to show. As soon as they are ready, I'll get some pics shot and
posted. Tracking down a Sam Browne fastener was a challenge according
to Heath!

Also, the script
calls for a Rebel Sniper, and the plan right now is to use an "Endor
Commando" costume as the basis for this. As seen in Return
of the Jedi. Anyone want to tackle that costume?

The X-wing helmet
is making progress, and I hope to get a test helmet ready in a few
weeks.
The focus now is on storyboard art, some odd-ball props, and adding
a few more helmets to the mix. I'm almost done with Herb's #2 helmet,
and with luck, a few armor replacements, a different helmet, and
this will give the few troopers we have the impression of a lot
more. Wardrobe change gives us additional 'characters'.

Thats about
it for now, but we do need to have a 'get-together/hamburger &
french fry cookout' some time in Feb. It's been a while since our
last meeting! Let me know when a good weekend will be, and we can
start to get our plans pulled together.

UPDATE: 12-29-05[The latest news on the project]

Well, its been
a crazy few weeks since the last update, and I wanted to bring everyone
up to speed on what is going on.

First, the script
is coming along, and is now available for review.
There are still a few holes in the story that we need to firm up
but we are making progress. I'm pretty happy with it so far. Iit
needs a few 'human interest' elements, among other things. Check
it out! Right now the script is some 18 pages, and that means a
15-20 minute film so far.

Larry came down
and we made some great progress working on storyboarding
the script. The art is looking great, so if you want to take a peek
at what the story will 'look' like, check
it out. Larry is working overtime to get the art ready, so as I
get them, I'll post them to the storyboard
page.

I have been
trading parts, and now have the X-wing pilot helmet and chest box
parts. Once I sculpt the molds for the X-wing helmet, and prep the
chest box mold for vacuum forming, we will have another Rebel to
add to the film! I hope to have a fresh sculpt of the X-wing helmet
ready to go by mid Spring. This will be made from my famous MDF/Bondo
method using the helmet as reference. This also will give us
the option to make TIE fighter helmets and costumes too!

The Norwegian
MP40 ammo pouches came in, and Heath will be looking into making
some of these for the film. Also, Heath has tracked down some mariachi
boots as an affordable option to the nice but more expensive CA
boots.

Happy New Year
Everyone!

UPDATE: 12-8-05[The latest news on the project.]

Well it's been
a busy month, but now I am able to get back onto some preproduction
projects, and I wanted to let everyone know what was going on.

I'm still tweaking
the first 'act' of the script. My goal is for Larry and I to get
together and hash out some storyboards so that John will have an
idea on what we need for the CGI work. Right now my main concerns
have been with the costumes, and props. I still have an X-wing pilot
costume to build, but I think we are in pretty good shape right
now. We need a few more bits and pieces, and I've reworked some
molds for the blasters to make assembly a lot easier, faster and
more accurate. We still need one or two heavy blasters and boots.
The stormtrooper armor is for the most part done, and we have plenty
now for the project. One has even been weathered a bit and is looking
great.

We need a few
more Rebel Fleet Trooper costumes, so, if you can help out, and
spring for a cheap BDU vest, and pants, I think we can get you a
blaster and helmet. The boots are also cheap. I'd like for everyone
that has a set of stormtrooper armor to eventually have a RFT costume
as well. That way we can all 'double duty'.

Heath has made
holsters and pauldrons for everyone, so we are in great shape there.
I've started some research for the trooper field packs, and I hope
to have a prototype pack ready to show by our next production meeting.

Larry and I
are planning a 'storyboard day' and I hope we can get some good
solid ideas down on paper of exactly what the basic script will
look like. Maybe over the Christmas break we will make some good
progress in the storyboards.

We still need
to get to work on the dianoga monster. The "eye" should
be easy enough to make, but that darn tentacle. Again, once we get
the storyboards done we can see where and how to use it. The dianoga
threat is a key part of the danger in the film. I really hate to
cut it out.

Some matte painting
work is yet to be done, but I have some new ideas to really spice
up the look for some of the establishing shots. More to come, but
in the meantime, check out: http://www.fengzhudesign.com/tutorials.html
and look at lession 6. If we can pull off some matte paintings that
are in this vein, I'll be happy. I think that look captures the
jungle-over-run base that I am looking for.

We need to get
together and do some 'action' shots for the storyboards and poster/web
use. This will require one trooper, and one RFT, and should take
only a couple of hours to get the shots needed.

I still need
to get back to work on the track & dolly rig and the camera
boom. Time and money have prevented me from making much progress
but I hope to have the dolly ready soon.

We need to set
a date for our next production meeting, and establish what we will
be 'doing' on that meeting. I see no need to film more shots of
us just standing around. Until the storyboards are done, I and the
weather warms back up, don't plan to do much filming. Script finalization
and storboarding, equipment, and props/ costumes are what need the
attention next.

Thats all I
have for now.

Jim

UPDATE: CGI
Star Destoryer[update
11-02-2005]

John
Burns, a CGI expert has submitted some excellent renderings of his
CGI Star Destroyer, here is a sneak peek:

Click
on the full 720x480 version! The goal is to 'damage' the Star Destroyer,
with blaster scorch marks, impact craters, and exposed and glowing
innards, along with one engine out, and another failing. In the
distance, we see our little planet. John has also introduced me
to some really cool CGI software. Details are:

Effects
LabDV: http://www.fxhome.com
this software has a built in muzzle flash effect, and beam effect.
You can download the trial version for free. The cost is $115
or so. Not too bad. All you have to do, is open a video clip,
add the effect, and you are done. Cool stuff. They also have a
most excellent chroma key editor that looks almost too good to
be true.

Particle Illusion's Wondertouch: http://www.wondertouch.com
is another program you can download and try for free. Pretty neat
stuff that package can do. Check it out.

All this software
is for Mac OSX and Windows XP, so everyone can download the demos
and play around with it. I am working on a clips page, that has
the .DV format files and the clips we want to have the effects in,
so everyone can experiment and try making these effects.

And here is
one that is a mock-up of the planet approach sequence: [click on
image for a larger view]

The stars, moon
and planet were done with a Photoshop plug-in from http://www.flamingpear.com
. This group makes some really nice rendering plugins, and one really
neat one is called Flood. Check them out! John and I are working
to have some Hi-Res test reel done soon, so stay tuned.

Here is the
link to the
Imperial Star Destroyer [ISD] CGI Test Clip. Its a MP4 h.264
format so you will need a recent version of Quicktime to play it.
This is a reduced scale version but I think you will like it. Unzip
the file and you are good to go. [video iPod format!] I have an
80mb version if you want to see it, let me know!

John also has
introduced me to other CGI models, so we might be able to do some
of the X-wing shoot down, and Imperial Shuttle footage as CGI as
well. Stay tuned! Link
to more CGI models.

Here is another
quick and dirty test clip, this time with some RFTs: troopers3.mov.
Its quick and dirty, but I wanted to get the RFTs online. More editing
to come.

UPDATE: Planet
Approach Test[update
07-10-2005]

Well,
working in Photoshop, I managed to make the following test image
of the planet as seen from space.

This
is an early draft of the planet but I wanted to get this on the
site to share.

UPDATE: Second
Round of Test Shots[update
07-07-2005]

We
filmed for a few early morning hours over the July 4th holiday weekend.
I got a rough draft of the footage edited down, and mixed with some
pre-effects shots from the first test footage taken in June.

Why A Stormtrooper
Fan Film?[update 06-15-2005]

I
guess this proves how much of a Star Wars nut I really am. Before
I even finished my armor molds, Herb
and I were making "The Visitor"
a short, cheesy, funny fan film about a trooper from Star
Wars magically transported to a uber-fan's cluttered home,
where he discovers all sorts of common, everyday items. It was a
lot of fun, and shot on a budget of one bag of microwave popcorn.
We had a script and Herb and I acted and traded off as camera operators.
We filmed it in a couple of hours one night. The result was pretty
amateurish, but most folks that's have seen it, like it for what
it is, a no budget fan film. This was the genesis of another fan
film, but the next one would be a lot better.

After
I finished the armor molds, and was in the middle of constructing
the first suit for Herb, we knew we would have to make another movie.
Well, being the 'king of no-budget' films, Herb decided to make
a few films with his new costume. The results were, pretty good.
This I felt proved the suits would look good on film, and with each
new fan film made, our skills at movie making gets better.

The
latest endeavor is a high action homage to the stormtroopers. Loosely
based on the last few minutes of the WWII film "Baatan!"
1943, starring Robert Taylor, and features a host of action and
combat sequences lifted from films like Predator,
Apocalypse Now, Aliens, Saving
Private Ryan, and others.

Editorial
Reviews
Amazon.com
Tay Garnett was a hard-nosed, job-of-all-work director who moved
from studio to studio and genre to genre throughout the golden
age of Hollywood. He never achieved the status, let alone the
distinctive signature, of a Howard Hawks or Raoul Walsh; still,
with talent, brashness, and cojones to spare, he was responsible
for a slew of cheerfully vulgar entertainments, and several
genuinely fine films.
Bataan may well be the best. Certainly it's one of the strongest
Hollywood salutes to the war effort while World War II
was still raging. In his grittiest role to date, Robert Taylor
(sans mustache) plays a U.S. Army sergeant fighting a rear-guard
action in the Philippine jungle, covering Douglas MacArthur's
retreat. His platoon is the usual wartime study in democratic
motley: veterans (Lloyd Nolan, Thomas Mitchell, Tom Dugan) thrown
together with green recruits (Robert Walker, Barry Nelson),
a Latino (Desi Arnaz), a black (Kenneth Spencer), not to mention
a couple of stalwart Filipinos (Roque Espiritu, J. Alex Havier),
and several officer types (George Murphy, Lee Bowman) with sense
enough to defer to the sergeant's judgment. As in John Ford's
desert classic The Lost Patrol, the group is whittled down through
misadventure, disease, and skirmishes with the ever-advancing
Japanese, till only a handful remain for a still-shattering
last stand.
Bataan was made at MGM, and the principal setting, a jungle
clearing overlooking a strategic bridge, stinks of the soundstage.
In other respects, however, Garnett manages to introduce shocking,
un-Metro-like realism into the proceedings. In an early scene
of bombardment, a GI, blinded, crawls out of the wreckage of
a field hospital only to have a smoking roofbeam crush his bandaged
skull. There's nothing cosmetic about the wounds in this movie;
they hurt and they bleed, and people get them during the most
gruesome hand-to-hand combat in any '40s war movie. --Richard T.
Jameson

Ever since Return of the Jedi came out and the
ridiculous defeat of the stormtroopers by teddy bears, er, I mean
ewoks, I have always wanted to see the troopers as a formidable
battle hardened foot soldier. I wanted to portray them as honorable,
loyal, and willing to sacrifice themselves for duty. Like they were
originally suppose to be, and were shown in Star Wars: A
New Hope. This fan film presents the events of a post
Return of the Jedi, as the remnants of the Empire's forces
are being 'mopped-up' from around the galaxy. [Something like what
happened to the Japanese forces after WWII] Presented from the trooper's
perspective, and our 'enemy' in this film is, you guessed it, is
the Rebel Fleet Troopers. What better way to vindicate their defeat
in the beginning of Star Wars, than to have them
whip-up on our troopers.

In
this film, we will get to see some familiar faces. We will see a
bunch of troopers, Rebels fleet troopers, that 'trash compactor
monster', and a few surprises. No teddy bears here! it will be gritty,
like a WWII war movie!

Meticulous
detail has been paid to the costumes, and now, we are exploring
the world of DIY camera equipment, and state of the art video editing.
Stay tuned for developments.

Some
test footage has already been shot. Our effects guy had edited some
CGI blaster shots into the test footage and it looks great. Locations
have been reviewed by the cast and crew, and we plan a series of
test shots during the months of June and July.

Production
on a Hatchway, and the Trash Compactor
Monster is currently being developed. The film project
has no official deadline, but check back often as a production report
will be posted soon. Currently I'm working on creating some X-wing
pilot gear, some Endor Commando type camouflage,
and a Rebel Fleet Trooper costume, complete with
helmet.

Here
are some still from the first day shooting:

And
here is a link to the test
footage.[no effects] Its Quicktime MOV file so you will need
Quicktime to play it.

Here
is the latest version of the
test footage with some blaster effects added, and the Imperial
March inserted.

We
need your help! We are looking for sponsors, doanations, and other
financial assistance to finish the project. If you donate $30 or
more, you will get your name in the credits, and a copy of the film
on DVD. Use the "make a donation' button below. Be sure to
send us your name and mailing address.